McSweeney’s elevation is the latest step up the leadership ladder after captaining Australia A, the Prime Minister’s XI and Brisbane Heat in the past 12 months. He also led South Australia in the latter part of their recent Marsh Cup campaign.

South Australia, who have taken the Sheffield Shield wooden spoon in 10 of the last 15 seasons, finished fifth in the 2023-24 campaign without winning the title since 1995-96. They also finished last in the Marsh Cup.

“McSweeney is a natural leader who inspires confidence in those around him,” Harris said. “He has a deep knowledge of the game and a strong work ethic; both will be invaluable assets in his new role. We know Nathan is the right person to lead this team and we are delighted to name him state captain.”

McSweeney has regularly been named by national selector George Bailey as one of the emerging batting talents in the game. He averaged 40.10 in a Sheffield Shield season dominated by bowlers with three centuries.

“I am incredibly honored to be named captain of the South Australian men’s team,” McSweeney said. “This is a team with a rich history and passionate fan base, and I am excited by the challenge of leading the group forward, especially as we return to our proud South Australian identity.”

The South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) announced last month that the men’s and women’s teams would stop using their Redbacks and Scorpions nicknames, which have been used since the mid-1990s, from next season and will They would be known as South Australian Men and South Australian Women.